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Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair

Site Plan 2004

Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair Site Plan 2004

This site plan has been prepared under the provisions of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 1999, (p. 60, 171) and provides for the development and upgrading of facilities within the Cynthia Bay section of the Lake St Clair Visitor Services Zone.

This plan was prepared for the Parks and Wildlife Service by Inspiring Place Pty Ltd.

Note: This document has the same content as the Site Plan Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair March 2003. However it has been updated to reflect the final approval of the plan in February 2004.

APPROVAL

This Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair Site Plan was completed in March 2003 and was approved by the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Ministerial Council on 27 February 2004.

ISBN 0 9751743 5 5

© Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, 2004

Published by Parks and Wildlife Service Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage, and the Arts GPO Box 1751

Hobart, TASMANIA 7001

Produced by Inspiring Place Pty. Ltd. Environmental Planning, Recreation, Tourism and Landscape Architecture 208B Collins Street Hobart, TASMANIA 7000

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Chapter 1 Introduction..............................................................................................1 1.1 The World Heritage Area and the World Heritage Area

Management Plan.................................................................................... 1 1.2 The Cynthia Bay Site Plan .............................................................................. 3

1.2.1 Background.................................................................................... 3 1.2.2 The 2003 Cynthia Bay Site Plan ........................................................ 5

1.3 Other Planning Requirements ........................................................................ 6

Chapter 2 Planning Context......................................................................................7 2.1 Natural Features ............................................................................................ 7

2.1.1 Climate .......................................................................................... 7 2.1.2 Geomorphology and Soils ............................................................... 8 2.1.3 Vegetation ...................................................................................... 8 2.1.4 Fauna............................................................................................. 8

2.2 Cultural Features........................................................................................... 9 2.2.1 Indigenous Values ........................................................................... 9 2.2.2 European Heritage.......................................................................... 11 2.2.3 Scenery and Viewfields ................................................................... 12

2.3 Importance as a Tourism Destination.............................................................. 12 2.3.1 Visitor Numbers ............................................................................. 12 2.3.2 Visitor Profile ................................................................................. 13

2.4 Existing Infrastructure and Facilities ............................................................... 15 2.4.1 Visitor Facilities .............................................................................. 15 2.4.2 Park Management Facilities ............................................................. 15

2.5 Implications for Planning............................................................................... 19

Chapter 3 Site Issues and Opportunities.................................................................21 3.1 Environment and Landscape.......................................................................... 21

3.1.1 Planning Objectives......................................................................... 21 3.1.2 Key Issues ...................................................................................... 22 3.1.3 Responding to the Issues .................................................................. 22 3.1.4 Recommendations........................................................................... 25

3.2 Visitor Facilities............................................................................................. 26 3.2.1 Planning Objectives......................................................................... 26 3.2.2 Key Issues ...................................................................................... 26 3.2.3 Responding to the Issues .................................................................. 27 3.2.4 Recommendations........................................................................... 41

3.3 Park Management Facilities............................................................................ 42 3.3.1 Objectives....................................................................................... 42 3.3.2 Key Issues ...................................................................................... 42 3.3.3 Responding to the Issues .................................................................. 43 3.3.4 Recommendations........................................................................... 44

ii Cynthia Bay Site Plan

Chapter 4 Site Development Plan.............................................................................45 4.1 Visitor Day-Use Facilities ...............................................................................45

4.1.1 Access and Vehicle Parking..............................................................45 4.1.2 Signs ..............................................................................................46 4.1.3 Walkers and Day Use Shelter ...........................................................46 4.1.4 Car Park Shelters.............................................................................46 4.1.5 Bus Shelter......................................................................................46 4.1.6 Walking Tracks ...............................................................................47 4.1.7 Jetty and Boat Ramp........................................................................47

4.2 Visitor Accommodation and Concessionaire Facilities ......................................47 4.3 Park Management.........................................................................................48

Bibliography................................................................................................................50

C H A P T E R 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N

1 . 1 B A C K G R O U N D - T H E W O R L D H E R I T A G E A R E A

A N D T H E W O R L D H E R I T A G E A R E A

M A N A G E M E N T P L A N

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA) covers some 1.38 million hectares or about 20% of Tasmania. It includes Tasmania’s four largest national parks: The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the Southwest National Park, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park and Cradle-Mountain Lake St Clair National Park. The area was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1982 and expanded in size in 1989 in recognition of it's outstanding natural and cultural values.

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 provides for the protection of WHA properties in Australia. The framework for management of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Areas is the Tasmanian Wilderness World

Heritage Area Management Plan 1999 (WHAMP). The WHAMP “defines management prescriptions both as policy and as management actions to realise [the objectives of the WHAMP], and establishes monitoring systems to evaluate whether the objectives are being met” (WHAMP 1999:12).

Within the WHA, zoning is used as a means of recognising “the nature and distribution of natural and cultural values and in the patterns and types of visitor uses” (WHAMP 1999:54). The zoning plan establishes where the major presentation points are to be in recognition of the fact that Tasmania depends heavily on the WHA as a drawcard for visitors to the State and that there is an expectation that visitors will be able to gain firsthand experience of the WHA’s values. To this end the WHAMP identifies a number of Visitor Services Zones and Sites where major facilities for recreation and presentation are to be provided, typically at the margins of the WHA and accessible by the State’s road network.

2 Cynthia Bay Site Plan

The key objectives of Visitor Services Zones are to:

“provide a range of appropriate facilities strategically located to facilitate visits to the World Heritage Area and to enable all visitors to gain a first hand experience of a range of the values of the World Heritage Area; and

maintain, as far as possible, a natural setting and cultural integrity and to minimise the environmental, aesthetic and social impacts of facilities and visitor use (WHAMP 1999:60).”

A number of prescriptions are provided for the Visitor Services Zone within the WHAMP (1999:60). These include:

catering for visitors and especially day visitors with limited time;

providing for high levels of day and some overnight use by developing and/or maintaining a range of facilities and services that may include park accommodation to suitable design and scale, campgrounds, refreshment sales, interpretation and education centres, visitor information and appropriate recreational and management facilities;

permitting concessionaire-operated facilities and seek private sector investment in the provision of some facilities where appropriate; and

preparing site plans prior to commencement of any new development or significant upgrading of facilities.

The WHA Management Plan also sets out objectives and management prescriptions for visitor facilities, recreation opportunities and tourism within the World Heritage Area that are relevant to this Plan. These objectives relate to the provision of high quality and varied visitor experiences whilst minimising impacts on World Heritage and other natural and cultural values of the WHA (WHAMP 1999: 130, 170, 177).

Under the WHAMP development in Visitor Services Zones is guided by detailed, non-statutory Visitor Services Zone Plans that expand upon the general provisions of WHAMP and give special consideration to the coordinated and integrated development of these intensively used areas. The WHAMP requires that site plans be prepared for all Visitor Services Zones and major Visitor Services Site prior to commencement of any new development or significant upgrading of facilities.

Chapter 1 Introduction 3

One of the two key Visitor Services Zones identified in the WHAMP is at Lake St. Clair (hereafter, the VSZ) (see Map 1). Lake St Clair is located some 180 kilometers to the west of Hobart and 95 kilometers to the east of Queenstown and is one of the prime access points for visitors to the WHA.

The Lake St. Clair VSZ comprises an area bounded by Lake St. Clair on its north, Watersmeet at its western extremity, the Derwent River on its eastern edge and the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park boundary on its south. Derwent Bridge, a Visitor Services Centre, is located in the far southeastern corner of the VSZ on the Lyell Highway.

Lake St Clair is Australia's deepest lake (Kiernan 1992) and is surrounded by dolerite-capped mountains including Mt Olympus (1447m), Mt Rufus (1416m) the Du Cane range (1400m) and the Traveller Range (1200m). The Lake St Clair VSZ includes spectacular scenery, areas of Aboriginal and historic heritage importance, a wealth of biological values and areas of scientific interest.

At present there is no Visitor Services Zone Plan for the Lake St. Clair Visitor Services Zone as a whole, although two approved site plans do exist for Cynthia Bay and Pump House Point1 that are within the VSZ.

1 . 2 T H E C Y N T H I A B A Y S I T E P L A N

1.2.1 Background

Cynthia Bay is located at the southernmost end of Lake St. Clair and is 5 kilometers from the Lyell Highway via State Road C193 (Map 1). Cynthia Bay is the current focus of visitor facilities within the VSZ receiving over 110,000 visitors in 2001-2002 of whom 16,500 (15%) were Tasmanians (Rundle pers. comm.).

Facilities at Cynthia Bay include a visitor centre and concessionaire facilities including a restaurant/gift shop, cabin accommodation and campground, all located within a short distance of the lake’s edge. The Parks and Wildlife Service management facilities are also located in the area and a number of important walks, including the Overland Track commence from Cynthia Bay.

1 Pump House Point is located at the southeastern corner of Lake St. Clair. A development proposal for the site is presently proceeding through the New Proposals and Impact Assessment process as required by the WHAMP.

Planning Area for the

Cynthia Bay Site Plan

Lake St. Clair

Visitor Services Zone

Lake St. Clair Visitor Services Zone Boundary

Chapter 1 Introduction 5

The Cynthia Bay area is also a location within the VSZ where further development of visitor facilities is likely to be concentrated given the extent of existing visitor infrastructure, the high level of visitation to the area and the need to protect natural and cultural values elsewhere within the balance of the VSZ.

A Site Plan was completed in 1993 for Cynthia Bay and approved by the Minister under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 in December of that year (PWH 1993) (hereafter the 1993 Site Plan). Since then there have been a number of substantial developments within the Cynthia Bay area including:

the building and operation of the visitor centre;

the introduction of park entry fees;

construction of a large car and bus parking area;

expansion of the accommodation facilities;

development of new PWS management and staff housing facilities;

restoration and revegetation of some areas; and

upgrading of nearby walking tracks.

1.2.2 The 2003 Cynthia Bay Site Plan

This current plan seeks to review and update the 1993 Cynthia Bay Site Plan. Revision of the 1993 Site Plan is required in response to the development which has occurred since that plan, increased visitor numbers to the area, recent research which has expanded the knowledge base concerning the area and its values and the recommendations of the WHAMP (which was revised in 1999).

As with the 1993 Site Plan, the focus is on the visitor facilities area immediately adjacent to Cynthia Bay and the linkages (existing and potential) to this area.

The intention of the revised Site Plan is to guide the long-term development of the Cynthia Bay area and ensure that development proceeds in a coordinated and integrated manner in line with the requirements of the WHAMP. In particular and in line with the WHAMP, the objectives of the current Site Plan are to:

maintain and protect the natural and cultural values of the Cynthia Bay area;


improve the value of the Cynthia Bay area as an important gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area;

provide for necessary park management facilities for the VSZ; and

encourage the development of a range of visitor facilities to provide for a wide range of users and appropriate uses.

The 1993 Site Plan included more specific objectives for environment and landscape, visitor facilities and park management facilities. These have been incorporated within the current Site Plan.

1 . 3 O T H E R P L A N N I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S

A range of legislative requirements apply to the management of the World Heritage Area, including Cynthia Bay, in addition to those set out in the Environmental

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the WHAMP. Of particular importance, because of their role in daily management of the area and in terms of development assessment processes are:

the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity and

Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act);

the State Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994;

the State National Parks and Reserves Act 2002;

the State Nature Conservation Act 2002;

the State Threatened Species Protection Act 1995;

the State Aboriginal Relics Act 1975:

the State Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995;

the State National Park and Reserves Regulations 1999; and

the local government Central Highlands Planning Scheme1998.

The Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standards Association specify the standards that are to be achieved by development within the area. The ICOMOS

Burra Charter is widely accepted as the standard for heritage conservation practice and provides guidelines for the conservation of places of cultural significance.

C H A P T E R 2 P L A N N I N G C O N T E X T

This Chapter provides contextual background to site planning for the Cynthia Bay area and includes a:

summary of the natural (Section 2.1) and cultural features (Section 2.2)of the area;

discussion of the importance of the area as a tourism destination (Section 2.3);

description of the existing park management and visitor facilities within the area (Section 2.3) ; and

a brief summary of some of the key implications for future management of the area arising out of the contextual information presented in the previous sections (Section 2.4).

The descriptive material related to natural and cultural features has been gleaned from a number of sources. These include the 1993 Site Plan and the Tasmanian

Wilderness World Heritage Area Draft Resources and Issues, 1991. Other sources are noted in the text. On the whole, little specific data is known for the immediate area of Cynthia Bay and so broader area descriptions have had to be relied on where required.

2 . 1 N A T U R A L F E A T U R E S

2.1.1 Climate

Cynthia Bay lies at an altitude of approximately 740 metres above sea level. Severe climatic conditions are experienced, even on occasions in summer. Mean monthly temperature ranges from a low of 6.6 C in July to 18.9C in February. Rainfall averages around 1600 mm a year falling on more than 220 days. The highest falls occur in winter (July – August) when snow and sleet are also common, although they can occur at any time of the year. Frosts and strong winds are also characteristic at Lake St Clair with the prevailing winds coming from the west and northwest.


2.1.2 Geomorphology and Soils

The valley in which Lake St Clair lies now is likely to have been place 20 millionyears ago, a result of the mountain building processes associated with the break upof Gondwana. During the Pleistocene Period, however, multiple glaciations servedto reshape and further gouge the valley to its present depth (at 167m Lake St Clair isrecognised as the deepest glacial lake in Australia) (Kiernan 1992).

Owing to deposition as the glaciers receded, Cynthia Bay is comprised of animpressive array of end latero-terminal moraines forming slightly elevated ridgesand intervening poorly-drained swales throughout an otherwise relatively flatlandscape. This deposition of material, known as Cynthia Bay till, is of particulargeoconservation interest and is considered internationally significant. Themorphology of the lake area in general is also of some geoconservation significanceas a characteristic example of the extent of modification of Tasmania's alpine areasduring the Pleistocene glaciation (Pemberton 1994).

Previous site development within the Cynthia Bay area has mainly occurred onmoraine ridges, resulting in obliteration of the microtopography in these areas.

The soils of in the Cynthia Bay area vary considerably according to drainage. Well-drained sites such as moraine ridges tend to demonstrate poor soil development andare predominantly yellow-brown gradational soils, grading quickly tounconsolidated till below. In contrast, black organosols (peats) occur between themoraines and in the poorly-drained swales. Similar soils occur in other parts of theTasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area although not in this moraine-swalecontext (Pemberton 1986, 1994).

2.1.3 Vegetation

The vegetation at Cynthia Bay is predominantly eucalypt forest with an understoreyon the moraine ridges that includes Banksia spp. and Hakea spp, and on the wetter andpoorly drained areas, Leptospermum spp., Callistemon spp. and Gahnia. spp. Thereare some small areas of buttongrass moor within the area. The dense scrub andeucalypt forests of Cynthia Bay provide an important refuge and shelter for animals.

2.1.4 Fauna

The diversity of habitats in a relatively small area around Cynthia Bay, includingeucalypt forest and woodland, rainforest, buttongrass moorland, wet scrub,freshwater creeks and the deep Lake St Clair supports a correspondingly diverse

Chapter 2 Planning Context 9

fauna. Cynthia Bay has a special significance for scientists as the taxonomic typelocality for many invertebrate species. There is a high diversity of butterflies,including the spectacular Macleay's swallowtail, and a number of species ofOreixenica. It is also an excellent location for visitors to see Tasmanian dragonflies.Around the lakeshore, the strikingly coloured blue and orange stonefly (Eusthenia

spectablilis) is common. This primitive insect is one of the world's largest stoneflies.Other invertebrates of particular interest, which inhabit the lake itself, include theancient mountain shrimp (Anaspides tasmanica) and the freshwater crayfish(Astacopsis franklinii). The climbing galaxid (Galaxias brevipennis), a variety ofamphibians and the introduced brown trout are also evident in the lake.

Observing and interacting with the wildlife at Cynthia Bay is a highlight of manyvisitors' experience. Bennetts wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and the endemic rufouswallaby (or Tasmanian pademelon, Thylogale billardierii) are the most conspicuous ofthe mammals, and can usually been seen browsing in forest around the visitor day-use area. The endemic black currawong (Strepera fuliginosa) is another commonspecies in the day-use area and is well known to visitors for its audacity in takingfood, although feeding currawongs undermines their role as a vital agent indispersal of many indigenous plant species. At least a further ten Tasmanianendemic bird species and a diverse assemblage of honey-eaters inhabit the area.

The brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) frequents the camping and cabin areasat night in search of food scraps. The ringtail possum (Psuedocheirus peregrinus) andboth light and dark phases of the endemic eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) arecommon in the surrounding forests and woodlands. The Tasmanian devil(Sarcophilus harrisii) is not often seen but also roams through the region.

2 . 2 C U L T U R A L F E A T U R E S

2.2.1 Indigenous Values

Lake St. Clair, or Leeawuleena, formed the western boundary of the territory of theLarmairremener band of the Big River people. Usage of the high country around thearea was likely to be seasonal (Jetson 1989).

Discussion with the Aboriginal community (as represented by the TasmanianAboriginal Land Council) indicates that all physical evidence for Aboriginal historyof the area, despite is location, size or nature, provides cultural links and connectstoday’s Aboriginal community with the previous lifestyles of their people throughtheir existence and the information they contain. It is also important to theAboriginal community that the naturalness of the landscape that existed prior to


European invasion is maintained to provide these links to the past. This would beachieved by protecting the visual values, native vegetation, fauna andgeomorphological features described elsewhere in the current report and in otherreports about the Cynthia Bay area.

Other than the community itself, sources of information related to the Aboriginalvalues of the Cynthia Bay area include studies such as:

Aboriginal Management of the World Heritage Area (TALC 1996);

the Aboriginal Interpretation Strategy for the World Heritage Area

(Lehman 1995). and

Trounekarte Mabberle - Viewing the Aboriginal Values of the

Frenchmans Cap –Overland Track Precincts (McConnell andHamilton 2001).

McConnell and Hamilton indicated that generally the margins of Lake St. Clair arehighly sensitive for Aboriginal sites and heritage values. They also note that artifactscatter sites are known from the general area of Cynthia Bay. McConnell andHamilton recommended that “any surface or subsurface disturbance occurring inthe course of the upgrading and/or development should be minimised” (2001:72).

There is scope for further investigation of Aboriginal heritage issues within theCynthia Bay area and for further interpretation of Aboriginal values.

Research into Aboriginal culture is subject to the provisions of the Aboriginal Relics

Act 1975. The WHAMP describes the requirements and conditions surroundingsuch investigations in the WHA.

Lehman (1994) provides clear guidance in regards to interpretation of Aboriginalvalues in the WHA including the development of such interpretation in consultationwith the Aboriginal community. The development of the Aboriginal Cultural Walk(Larmairremener Tabelti) (using the former Woodlands Walk) is an indication of theAboriginal Interpretation Strategy for the WHA in action at Cynthia Bay.


2.2.2 European Heritage

Terry (2002) provides a history of the development of Cynthia Bay as a touristdestination dating from the late 1800s and as the operational headquarters for parkmanagement following the proclamation of the Lake St. Clair Reserve in 1922.

Recent investigations have shed light on the historical cultural heritage values ofvarious historical elements at Cynthia Bay (Terry 2002). In particular it was foundthat the Old Ranger’s House/Office, the Picnic Shelter and Mimosa Cabin are oflocal and state historic cultural heritage significance, the latter two structures having,amongst other values, social value to the bushwalking community.

Other sites within the area with potential heritage significance include:

Manuka cabin;

the storage garage;

Fergies camp [including a tree fern stump in what is believed tohave been the site of Albert Fergusson’s (‘Fergy’) dining tent];

shoed tree;

Fergy’s Paddock;

scarred tree;

stone bridge and walling; and

campground woodshed.

Of these it has been conjectured that the first four have high significance as theyappear to be demonstrative of mid-twentieth century ranger and visitor facilities atCynthia Bay (Terry 2002).

The ‘earth-integrated’ ranger residence at Cynthia Bay may have some architecturalinterest as an early example of this type of construction in Tasmania.


2.2.3 Scenery and Viewfields

The outstanding scenery of Lake St Clair is of particular value and interest. Thevisual experience associated with Cynthia Bay begins along the Lake St Clair Roadfrom Derwent Bridge. The relative narrowness of this road (in comparison to theLyell Highway) and the imposing semi-dense wet eucalypt forest surrounding itprovide a sense of enclosure in what is a generally flat landscape, with onlyoccasional openings to buttongrass moorland. The Derwent River flows along theedge of the road for much of its length.

At the lake itself, views of particular value and visitor interest include the viewsacross the waters of Lake St Clair to the vegetation-clad far shore and backdrop ofMt Olympus. The close views along the Cynthia Bay beach also provide some of themost outstanding scenery within the Cynthia Bay area with the Traveller Range andMt Ida being prominent landscape features. Views of the lake and lakeshore fromthe primary tourist areas such as the visitor centre, restaurant and lookout deck arealso significant while the views on arrival are also important to the overall image ofLake St Clair as a destination.

2 . 3 I M P O R T A N C E A S A T O U R I S M D E S T I N A T I O N

2.3.1 Visitor Numbers

The Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is recognised as one of thenatural icons for the State. In 2001/2002, Cynthia Bay attracted 110,000 visitors ofwhom 15% were Tasmanians, the bulk being from interstate and overseas (e.g.16,500) (Rundle pers. comm.). These numbers are swelled by those completing theOverland Track (in 1999/2000 this numbered 6500 walkers). General visitation tothe area has been steadily increasing in recent years.

PWS records2 indicate that there were 15700 nights spent at Lake St. Clair in1999/2000 by 13000 people, providing an average of 1.2 nights stay. This representsroughly 11% of the total visitors to Lake St. Clair.

PWS routine monitoring of walkers at Lake St. Clair indicate over 1600 overnightwalkers started from and returned to Lake St. Clair in 1999/2000 and over 1300overnight walkers commenced their Overland Track from Lake St. Clair in1999/2000.

2 Based on information provided by Lakeside St. Clair Wilderness Holidays Pty. Ltd. who manage visitor accommodationat Lake St. Clair.


The Tasmanian Attractions Study (Tourism Solutions et al 2000) identified Lake StClair as a potential 'cluster' on the major 'Wilderness Journey'. The 'cluster'recognises its existing role as a major focal point for visitors and the inherentpotential to extend its capacity as a destination for visitor stays and activities withinthe State. The strengths of Lake St Clair are considered to include its:

significance as a major focus for the delivery of WHA experienceswithin the State including being a convenient motorised accesspoint into the WHA;

recognition as a stopover point and base for visitor activities;

high appeal to visitors across all market typologies;

capacity for further growth in visitor numbers and yield; and

ability to be marketed as a distinctive identity.

Market research for Tourism Tasmania has indicated the need to 'nourish the base' ofthe Tasmanian tourism industry, to lift the value of the wilderness product andimprove the yield from the natural wonder experiences within the State. Lake StClair is strategically located, between the major destinations of Strahan and Hobart,to deliver visitors a World Heritage experience and capture increased yield.

2.3.2 Visitor Profile

PWS carried out an extensive survey of day visitors (regardless of their residentialorigin) to Lake St. Clair during the peak of the 1999 visitor season (PWS 1999b). Thevisitor survey identified that:

70% of the respondents were from interstate, 15% from Tasmaniaand 14% from overseas;

80% of the visitors were on their first visit to Lake St Clair withTasmanians more likely to be the repeat visitors;

the majority of Tasmanian visitors were from Southern Tasmania(65%);

about 40% of the visitors were making a short stop and often werebreaking their journey (median of 1 hour stay), a similarproportion were staying longer but were not necessarilymotivated by specific recreation (median of a 2 hour stay) and theremaining 20% were using the park for specific nature-basedrecreation (median of a 6 hour stay);


22% of the groups included children;

the average group size of visitors was 2.9 people;

the main reasons for visiting Lake St Clair were to see a specificfeature of the park (39%), passing by (27%), to go for a walk(15%), holiday package (5%);

the outstanding facility seen by the majority of visitors was thevisitor centre, then the walking tracks, shop and staff;

only 37% of the respondents nominated a disappointing featureor service at Lake St Clair and reference was made to aspects ofinformation provision, shop, accommodation and toilets;

the facilities/services expected by visitors (only commented on by14% of respondents) included better and/or moreaccommodation, better restaurant, better range of goods at theshop and better signposting of walks; and

Lake St Clair ranked third after Highfield and Cradle in terms ofvisitor satisfaction but was higher than Mt Field, Freycinet,Arthur Pieman, Coalmines and Rocky Cape.

The survey identified that the most frequently undertaken activities at Lake St Clairwere 69% short walk, 39% photography, 17% long walk (>2hrs) , 12% history study,12% meditation, 11% picnicking, 7% boating/canoeing 4% swimming and 3%fishing.

Respondents also indicated that they would like to learn more about Aboriginalheritage (52%), plants (38%), animals (38%), geology (32%) and European history(17%).


2 . 4 E X I S T I N G I N F R A S T R U C T U R E A N D F A C I L I T I E S

2.4.1 Visitor Facilities

A range of visitor facilities have been developed at Cynthia Bay to support its role asa visitor services centre. Map 2 shows the existing facilities at Cynthia Bay. Thefacilities include a car park, interpretation centre, restaurant/retail area, viewingplatform, picnic facilities, boat ramp, walking tracks, lake cruise operation andaccommodation. Table 2.1 provides a brief summary of the existing visitor facilitiesat Cynthia Bay.

The visitor accommodation is located in an area off the Lake St Clair access road justprior to the entrance fee booth. The existing accommodation includes self-cateringcabins, a bunkhouse powered campsites and tent campsites.

Other commercial accommodation is available within the village of Derwent Bridgelocated outside the National Park, some 5 kms from Cynthia Bay. Over recent years,the State Government has also been seeking potential tourism operators for thedevelopment of major tourist accommodation facilities at Pump House Point at theeastern boundary of the Visitor Services Zone within the National Park3.

2.4.2 Park Management Facilities

Some park management facilities have also been upgraded and/or relocated sincethe 1993 Site Plan was completed.

New staff housing has been located to the south of the visitor centre and PWSworkshop facilities, and is accessed from a separate service road. Some of the olderhousing structures located between the overflow car park area and the visitor centre,remain as ranger housing and are used for casual staff housing. The Senior Rangerhouse is located to the west of the boatshed. The old ranger’s office/parkmanagement centre (prior to the new visitor centre being constructed) has been usedfor summer interpretation and visiting housing including use by the artist inresidence program (a total of ~200 nights in 2001).

The visitor centre building contains new offices for the PWS. The offices are locatedwithin the interpretation and information building space, easily accessible to visitorsimmediately on arrival at the centre from the car park.

3 A Site Plan was prepared for Pump House Point on behalf of Merit Developments Pty Ltd and HMG Management GroupPty Ltd in 1995 (Tasque, 1995) but the company did not proceed with the development and the State Governmentsubsequently cancelled the development rights. The Government is currently assessing a new proposal from Doherty HotelsPty Ltd for a development at Pump House Point.


Existing VisitorFacilities

Comment on Existing Use

Access road Sealed access road from Derwent Bridge (Lyell Highway) toCynthia Bay. The road is in good condition and can cater forcoaches, service trucks and visitor vehicles.

Car parking Developed to support the visitor centre and caters for about 78car spaces, 16 long term car parking spaces, 5 emergency/loading parking spaces at the main entry and 3 bus spaces. Inbusy periods overflow car parking is directed onto the serviceroad and turning circle near the start of the Overland Track.

Promotional anddirectional signs toCynthia Bay

Signposts at Lyell Highway and upon arrival to the entrybooth.

Visitor centre The centre is designed as two buildings linked by the entrysteps and covered walkway/verandah. One buildingincorporates interpretation facilities, information and the PWSoffice. The other building contains restaurant/retail area,booking office and public toilets

Picnic shelter An old style picnic shelter/day hut is located in front of thevisitor centre and contains a picnic table and open fireplaces.The shelter attracts some use by walkers, and has been usedfor summer ranger interpretation programs but is generallyunsuitable for picnics.

Lake lookout A large wooden deck has been constructed overlooking LakeSt Clair and incorporates steps to the beach.

Walking tracks Walking tracks currently start from the overflow car park areaand include the short walk Watersmeet Nature Trail(including the Aboriginal Cultural Walk – LarmairremenerTabelti and Platypus Point) and longer tracks e.g. OverlandTrack, Mt Rufus Track, Shadow Lake – Little Hugel and theCuvier Valley Track. All of these tracks other than CuvierValley Track are listed in the Tasmanian Walking TrackStrategy for upgrading and promotion under Natural HeritageTrust funds, some of which has already been undertaken.

Public jetty The jetty is located on the foreshore to the north east of thevisitor centre and is used primarily as the boarding facility forthe passenger ferry service.

Lake cruise A ferry operation and lake cruise operates from Cynthia Bay.The ferry, operated by a concessionaire under lease and licensearrangements, provides a service for walkers and sightseers toNarcissus Bay and Echo Point. These areas are outside the siteplanning area of this study.

Visitor accommodation Visitor accommodation is located to the north east of thevisitor centre within a precinct established in the 1993 SitePlan. Accommodation includes 6 self-catering cabins,bunkhouse, powered campsites and tent campsites. Amenityfacilities and service buildings also exist on the site. ‘Mimosa’cabin (capacity 8 bunks) is located near the campground.

Canoe and bike hire Canadian canoes and bikes are available for hire at the visitorcentre.

Boat ramp A boat-launching ramp is located on a spur road to the east ofthe visitor accommodation area.

Table 2.1 Brief Summary of existing Visitor Facilities


The main workshop, storage and fuel facilities are located off the service road to thesouth of the visitor centre, and are generally out of sight for most visitors to the area.

The wastewater treatment plant has been installed in the last 5 years. All sewagefrom the buildings and Cynthia Bay area is pumped via a series of pump wells to aBiological Nutrient Removal (BNR) sewage treatment plant located on Pump HousePoint Road. The aeration lagoons previously used for treatment located about 1 kmto the south of the main visitor facilities now serve as holding lagoons along thisroute. Sewage is treated in the treatment plant for removal of biologicalcontaminants and nutrients including phosphorus. Discharge occurs into theDerwent River just south of Derwent Bridge. The system has capacity to treatadditional waste associated with future tourism development at Cynthia Bay.

Potable water supplies are delivered via a dual system with a gravity fed mainservicing the Concessionaire facilities and a pressurized main servicing the PWSfacilities and the Senior Rangers house. The pressurised system also provides waterto fire pressure requirements for fire fighting.

The Telstra line services between Cynthia Bay and Derwent Bridge have beenrecently upgraded.

2 . 5 I M P L I C A T I O N S F O R P L A N N I N G

The context for planning described in Sections 2.1-2.3 have a number of implicationsfor future planning at Cynthia Bay.

Weather conditions can change quickly and this has implications for visitors usingthe area. The cold and wet conditions dictate some specific needs for site planning,and in particular, provision of shelters for visitors at bus stops, picnic areas and, insome cases along or at the start of walking tracks. Walker registration booths alsoallow PWS to monitor potential users of the more remote walking tracks.

Despite the extensive development that has occurred in the area and the intensiveuse to which parts of the area are put, it retains a number of values of importanceand areas with natural integrity that are valuable in their own right. Site workswithin the Cynthia Bay area, therefore, should be kept to a minimum to avoidimpacts on the identified geomorphology and soils features. In particular,developments that do occur should be sited or designed so as to avoid impacts onmoraines.

Protection of native vegetation and fauna habitat is also a priority. Where possible,development should be sited on previously disturbed sites and where new sites are


to be used, then the emphasis should be on minimum impact and maximumrestoration of natural vegetation.

Whilst there have been no Aboriginal Heritage surveys undertaken for this Plan, theWHAMP sets out management prescriptions for protecting, conserving and whereappropriate presenting Aboriginal values. The Plan refers to partnershiparrangements between the PWS and the Aboriginal community to achieve the abovemanagement prescriptions.

Specific attention needs to be given to the management of the foreshore as a sensitivearea.

Viewfields that are seen frequently by the public, and hence require special scenicprotection, include the public access road corridors, viewfields from walking tracks(especially high access nature trails) and viewfields from high access public areasand facilities such as picnic areas, public shelters, and accommodation areas.

It is expected that visitor numbers will continue to increase at Lake St Clair,especially from the overseas and interstate visitor market, and this will place furtherpressures on the existing visitor infrastructure including the capacities for carparking, day use facilities, short walks and overnight accommodation. Visitormanagement and the development of visitor facilities must occur within theframework of the WHAMP including its objectives for the protection, conservation,presentation and where appropriate rehabilitation of the values of the WHA. Newdevelopment must specifically be approved under the New Proposals and ImpactAssessment Process of the WHAMP (WHAMP:67).

Increased visitor numbers have the potential to impact on the values of the area.Therefore, visitor management systems and infrastructure (e.g. walking tracks, dayuse facilities, risk management, etc.) must be of a high standard to protect theintegrity of the area. Current infrastructure (sewer, power and water) has additionalcapacity to cope with substantive increases in usage). The current strategy proposesa number of alterations to existing management systems (e.g. improved access, carparking arrangements, etc.) that should accommodate increased visitor numbers thatmight occur during the life of the plan.

There is also the need to continue to discourage the feeding of the native animalsand to effectively manage the rubbish and litter generated from high visitor use tothe area.

C H A P T E R 3S I T E I S S U E S A N D O P P O R T U N I T I E S

The planning objectives for the Cynthia Bay Visitor Services Zone remain unchangedfrom the 1993 Site Plan. These deal with the broad areas of:

the site–‘s environment and landscape (Section 3.1);

the visitor facilities (Section 3.2); and

park management facilities (Section 3.3).

For each of these planning objectives, the following sections provide:

identification of the key issues affecting achievement of theobjectives;

an outline of the opportunities to respond to these issues; and

key recommendations for the Site Plan.

3 . 1 E N V I R O N M E N T A N D L A N D S C A P E

3.1.1 Planning Objectives

The objectives for environment and landscape planning are to:

retain or enhance the natural and scenic qualities of the area;

protect the area from environmental degradation and restoredisturbed areas, particularly the foreshore area;

increase opportunities for passive recreation, especially in theforeshore zone;

make maximal use of areas already disturbed;


minimise clearance of vegetation, especially mature trees, thickscrub along watercourses, and undisturbed areas of densevegetation; and

retain or where necessary, re-establish vegetation as visual buffersand wildlife habitat.

3.1.2 Key Issues

The key issues affecting achievement of these objectives at Cynthia Bay are the needto:

address matters related to carpark layout and service yard (rear ofthe visitor centre);

minimise the impacts of tourism development on the natural andcultural value.

3.1.3 Responding to the Issues

C A R P A R K L A Y O U T A N D V I S U A L I M P A C T S O N A R R I V A L

First impressions upon arriving at Cynthia Bay are diminished by an approach,which brings the visitor abruptly to car park with the main entry views being to theservice portion of the concessionaire development (e.g. LPG tanks, parking, andbins). Such an approach fails to build upon the sense of anticipation of a naturalsetting that is fostered on the drive in from Derwent Bridge.

Investigation of the above visual impacts indicated that the best option to improvethe situation was to create a new entry into the car parking area that wouldsignificantly improve the approach sequence. A new 70m long entrance road offLake St Clair Road is proposed which would provide a new link to the northern endof the existing car park. The proposed new entry (see also Section 3.2.3) would alsoallow:

creation of an island at the entry point for directing traffic flow tothe car park or directly through to the accommodation area;

development of an entry booth in the island space (if neededdepending on other options currently being explored for PWS todeal with collection of entry fees);

Chapter 3 Site Issues and Opportunities 23

improved turn-around arrangements for visitors not wishing toenter the Park;

the opportunity for visitors to view available parking spaceswhen entering the car parking area with a clear understanding ofthe location and distance to the visitor centre;

scope to free up the traffic movements outside the visitor centreand main turning circle through the improved traffic flowarrangements;

convenient bus car parking along the entry road with access to abus shelter;

construction of a path partly around the southern side of the carparking area, which will allow bus visitors to avoid the need towalk along the road to reach the visitor centre; and

the views of the service area for the concessionaire developmentto be less prominent and only seen on the exit road from the carpark (and the visual impact is substantially reduced because ofthe road alignment and existing vegetation).

M I N I M I S I N G S I T E I M P A C T S

The development of visitor facilities has the potential to contribute to impacts on thenatural and cultural values of the Site. Given the significance of Cynthia Bay as amajor gateway into the WHA, it is critical that the potential risk for causing siteimpacts is identified, assessed and addressed through the planning approval andmanagement processes.

Opportunities to minimise site impacts include, but are not limited to:

identifying suitable sites for developments and requiring thedesign of the facilities to respect their surroundings and beresponsive to the landforms, landscape elements, orientation andviews;

keeping site works to a minimum with new developmentsdesigned to minimise disturbance to existing known values;

giving preference to previously disturbed sites and where newsites are to be used, then the emphasis should be on minimumimpact and maximum restoration;


using the local topography to site buildings and to avoid cut andfill;

using above ground construction techniques to avoid grounddisturbance, especially where values are known to exist on thesite;

breaking up of building form into smaller elements to reduce thesize and bulk of buildings;

maintaining a low building height relative to existingenvironment (eg. accommodation facilities should not exceed twostoreys (8m);

using suitable building materials mindful of potential fire riskswithin the area;

avoiding highly reflective materials and illumination which maycause visual impact; and

ensuring the buildings demonstrate a restrained and sensitivecreative flair, which neither dominates its setting nor ignores theimportance of good design in such a location.

External works can also be planned, developed and managed with a view to:

directing uses and development to suitable locations which fit theenvironmental opportunities and constraints of the site;

guiding design so that it appropriately responds to the landscapecharacter of the area;

managing the construction process to minimise impacts on thevalues of the site;

retention of considerable native vegetation buffers between thedevelopments and also between individual buildings;

retaining and using locally indigenous vegetation as part of thegeneral landscaping and visual buffers for the facilities;

clustering buildings where possible and locating individualbuildings to minimise impacts on values;

reducing roading lengths, pavement widths and limiting throughtraffic;


identifying areas for rehabilitation and preparing a rehabilitationplan;

upgrading walkways to service visitor movement;

using decks in selected locations to focus visitor activity and thushelp reduce site impacts; and

not introducing other exotic species into the site.

In all cases, the WHAMP sets out provisions for the approval of new developmentsin the WHA (WHAMP:67). Depending on the scale of the proposal (e.g. major orminor), an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Planmay be required. Where an EIA and EMP are required, PWS will prepare a scopingdocument that identifies matters of significance which must be addressed inaddition to those specified in the WHAMP.

It is noted that where rehabilitation is considered, the long-term nature of theactivity must be considered. Many rehabilitation activities have seasonal constraintsand/or require long lead times to ensure the availability of suitable materials (e.g.seed collection, appropriate soils or organic materials, etc.). Protection from wildlifebrowsing, on-going monitoring and maintenance must also be accounted for.

3.1.4 Recommendations

1. Construct a new entry road from Lake St Clair Road to enter the northern end ofthe existing car park, with some reconfiguration of the car park layout tomaximise parking spaces and amenity values (see also Section 3.2.3).

2. Adopt measures (such as those listed in Section 3.1.3) to minimise the impact ofnew visitor facilities/development on natural and cultural values.

3. All new development (e.g. buildings, tracks, roads, etc.) is to be assessedaccording to the New Proposals Impacts and Assessment process of the WHAMP(WHAMP:66-72).


3 . 2 V I S I T O R F A C I L I T I E S

3.2.1 Planning Objectives

The objectives for visitor facilities are to:

introduce visitors to the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair NationalPark and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and assistthem to appreciate and enjoy their visit;

make a range of first-hand experiences of the park available to awide spectrum of visitors and extend the experience of thosevisitors who would otherwise use the area only as a ‘rest’ stop;

upgrade and expand day visitor facilities to cater for an increasein the number and duration of stay of day visitors;

provide some opportunity for visitors to enjoy the park duringadverse weather conditions;

provide a range of accommodation facilities and amenities thatare accessible to the average family group; and

make provision for appropriate concessionaire operated visitorservices and facilities, subject to relevant controls and guidelines.

3.2.2 Key Issues

The key issues affecting achievement of these objectives at Cynthia Bay are the needto:

upgrade signage upon arrival at Lake St Clair National Park;

improve the layout, capacity and functioning of the car park areato better service visitor needs and tourist coaches;

continue current interpretive programs and expand theseprograms where appropriate

create a better awareness and promotion of the short walkexperiences at Lake St Clair with better signs, interpretation andtrack links;

develop better picnic and day use facilities;


cater for increased capacity, range and quality of accommodationfacilities at Cynthia Bay; and

ensure public safety and risk management procedures areundertaken.

3.2.3 Opportunities for Responding to the Issues

S I G N A G E

The existing signs for designating Lake St Clair National Park as one of the gatewaysto the WHA require upgrading:

to improve the visibility of the entry to the WHA at DerwentBridge and thus directing visitors to the National Park;

to better inform visitors to the WHA that having turned onto LakeSt Clair Road about the facilities, activities and entry fees atCynthia Bay;

to welcome in a more positive way, visitors upon arrival toCynthia Bay.

There are poor directional signs for visitors to reach the walking tracks and jetty nearthe visitor centre. These can be upgraded as part of the overall plans for improvingthe amenity and functions of the area immediately north of the visitor centre (refer topicnic and day use facilities in this Section). This recommendation was also made aspart of the Recreation and Tourism Strategy (workshop and report of 1999).


L A Y O U T , C A P A C I T Y A N D F U N C T I O N I N G O F C A R P A R K I N G A R E A

The need to improve the access arrangements to the existing car park have beendiscussed in Section 3.1.3 with regard to reducing visual impacts and improvingparking capacity and traffic flow.

The problems with the existing car park are:

at peak use times (Easter and summer days) the car park iscompletely full from 11am until 2pm, requiring PWS staff toredirect traffic to an overflow area located 150m south of thevisitor centre near the start to the Overland Track (this caninvolve up to 50 vehicles and currently occurs about 6 times peryear) – this issue has become more problematic over the summerof 2002-2003 with a large increase in users at Cynthia Bay;

only 3 bus parking spaces are provided but 5-6 coaches can bevisiting at the same time in peak periods and often buses areparked around the turning circle;

the existing layout of the car park does not provide designatedspaces to cater for increasing numbers of caravans and vehicleswith trailers and this can often lead to these vehicles taking upavailable bus parking spaces;

the lack of any safe areas or facilities to satisfy the requirement ofwalkers and other users for loading and unloading gear withinthe car park;

the vegetation rehabilitation fences helped to provide some visualcues for vehicle direction within the car park, but these have sincebeen removed and visitors are not fully aware of the parkinglayout;

the lack of any facility to cater for coaches wishing to provide self-catering services adjacent to their bus;

the lack of any shelter for visitors waiting for bus services;

there are no picnic and barbeque facilities located near the carpark area

the lack of any designated pedestrian paths to separate peoplefrom vehicle movements;


the ‘tight’ design of the turning circle for buses especially whenparking occurs around the outer edge;

damage to the road surface caused by the ‘hard’ maneuvering ofbuses within the car park;

the designation of a section as “long term car parking” forwalkers poses security problems and is often not used due toconcern about theft and vandalism;

PWS do not have the resources to ‘police’ or enforce parkingpractices;

the desire of many drivers to want to ‘drop-off’ people as close aspossible to the front entrance of the visitor centre; and

the poor layout of the concessionaires parking and drop-off area.

Currently there is provision for 78 car spaces, 16 long term car parking spaces, 5emergency/loading parking spaces at the main entry and 3 bus spaces. PWS staffparking generally occurs at the workshop, just a short walk from the visitorcentre/office. However, some limited parking occurs close to the centre forconvenience and to ensure a quick response to situation that might arise.

Map 3 indicates a new car park layout that includes the proposed entry road andchanges to the flow through the existing parking area. The key features are:

a separate access road to the turning circle with pull-over parkingfor buses and logical access points into the main car parking area(which is viewed from the entry road);

use of the existing access road as a one-way exit thus allowing forsome over-flow parking and convenient parking for vehicles withtrailers and caravans;

parking for PWS and people with disabilities near the visitorcentre;

creation of a landscape island within the car park with a shelter;

a new shelter located on the eastern side of the entry road;

a bus shelter near the turning circle;

a pathway around the southern side of the car park and along theexit road; and


rationalisation of the concessionaires parking and drop-off areaall within previously disturbed areas

The proposed new car park layout and road design allows for a capacity of about±140 vehicles, 5 buses, and staff parking and parking spaces for people withdisabilities. The adoption of a one-way exit along the current access road allows fora designated area for cars with trailers and for overflow bus and vehicle parking.The plan shows the option of extending the car park further if this is ever necessary.Such an extension could increase the parking capacity by an extra ±20 spaces.

I M P R O V E D A W A R E N E S S O F T H E S H O R T W A L K S

There are some problems with visitor awareness of the short walk opportunities atLake St Clair.

There is limited directional signage about the short walks after visitors leave thefront of the visitor centre. One sign refers to ‘All Walks’ and this directs visitorsalong a PWS service road until they reach the over-flow car park area and then startthe walking tracks. Consequently visitors start their walk within a very modifiedmanagement setting dominated by the road, large gravel car park and PWSbuildings. This route is the start to all the walks – short nature walks, day walks andthe Overland Track. Visitors return from the short walks on the same route.

A number of improvements are proposed:

the interpretative sign for the Great Short Walks be located in aprominent position on the service road about 80m from the frontentry of the visitor centre;

the visual character of the service road be altered by:

restricting vehicle use to only essential PWS managementpurposes with no vehicles proceeding beyond the oldrangers house/office;

reducing the width of the pavement to the minimumrequired for management access purposes;

converting the existing service road between the visitorcentre and the current summer interpretation/staffaccommodation building to a walking path only;

narrowing the bitumen surface along the service road andpath and/or reverting to a compressed gravel surface thatis more consistent with the image of walking tracks;

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varying the alignment of the service road to help reduceits appearance as a road; and

rehabilitating edges of the service road with nativevegetation to create a more natural landscape;

revegetation of the centre of the existing ‘over-flow’ car parkingarea to reduce the visual impacts and create a more naturallandscape at the start of the walks; and

removal of the additions and carports from existing buildings thatare located off the service road that have no significant culturalheritage or functional value.

The question of where walker registration facilities are best located should beresolved by PWS pending investigation of the various options.

It is also proposed that a new walking track link be investigated from the lookoutdeck around the foreshore and through the bushland to connect to the currentwalking tracks. Visitor information sheets list the foreshore as a walk but this can bedifficult at times due to high water levels, shoreline rocks and foreshore vegetation.The beach is appropriate for the initial section of the walk, but an alternative routewould be required where access becomes difficult. This would require creatingformed track through the foreshore bushland (just past the boatshed and to the northof the Senior Rangers house) that then connects with the access track to FergiesPaddock and the current walking tracks. The walk needs to be well directed aroundthe Senior Rangers house to maintain privacy. The walk is considered to be a moreinteresting walk but there still may be times where the beach is not easily accesseddue high water levels.

The route cannot be made wheelchair accessible without substantial costs andimpacts (it would require a boardwalk along the beach and considerable ramping foraccess and egress from the beach). The use of the foreshore behind the beach for aconstructed walkway was not considered appropriate given the high visual impactsfrom removal of vegetation and crossing of drainage lines.

The idea for a walking and bike track between Cynthia Bay and Derwent Bridge hasbeen identified in past site consultations [e.g. WHA Recreation and Tourism StrategyWorkshop (PWS 2001)]. It would provide a safer route for both walkers and cycliststhan Lake St Clair Road given the lack of public transport services. This idea shouldbe investigated.


I N T E R P R E T I V E P R O G R A M S

Numerous interpretive and related programs are conducted by PWS at Cynthia Bayincluding:

interpretive installations in the visitor centre and elsewhere;

interpreted walking tracks;

the summer ranger program; and

the artist in residence program.

Rangers are also available at times to work with specific groups such as schools orother visitor parties.

PWS also interprets Lake St. Clair (and the other properties which it manages)through its website.

Interpretation is a key focus of the WHAMP for presenting the values of the WHA tothe public and enhancing the visitor experience of the WHA. (see WHAMP:125-129).Amongst the recommendations of the WHAMP is that for an “interpretive actionplan” for Lake St. Clair (WHAMP:126).

Interpretation is guided by the World Heritage Area Interpretation Strategy (Saunders1990) and the Aboriginal Interpretation Strategy for the World Heritage Area (Lehman1995).

Opportunities for improving existing programs and for expanding into newinterpretive areas should be explored as funds permit.

P I C N I C A N D D A Y U S E F A C I L I T I E S

The 1993 Site Plan refers to a new day use cooking shelter being developed in alocation to the north of the visitor centre. It was to provide electric barbeques, awood fire, and picnic tables and seating and information/interpretation displays.Consideration was also given to the relocation or removal of the existing picnicshelter/day-hut once a new facility was erected. This was considered appropriate atthe time due to the condition of the building (disrepair and structural concerns), itsinappropriate design in terms of light and views and the negative impact of itslocation within the viewfield from the visitor centre. This recommendation was alsomade in the absence of a heritage assessment of the building.

A recent study has indicated the cultural heritage significance of the existing picnicshelter (Terry 2002), therefore, the picnic shelter should be stabilised to prevent


further deterioration. Further discussion is required as to the longer term future ofthe picnic shelter, given that it remains a prominent impact on the view to the lakefrom the visitor centre and its acknowledged shortcomings for its function. Anyproposals to alter (e.g. make improvements beyond stabilisation), remove or relocatethe picnic shelter should be in compliance with the requirements of the Historic

Cultural Heritage Act 1995.

There is limited demand for dedicated picnic facilities at Cynthia Bay (according tothe 1999 PWS Visitor Survey). However, there is an argument for the developmentof a covered seating/eating/display area for walkers awaiting transport, for visitorswho have purchased food at the kiosk, for temporary shelter from the rain, forwalkers to store gear securely and to spread some of the peak visitor load away fromthe visitor centre.

The opportunity to provide these additional day use facilities should be investigated.

A site adjacent to the visitor centre, in an area previously used for car parking hasseveral advantages as a location for day use facilities. These advantages include:

facilities there would be positioned outside of the main view-linesto the foreshore and lake from the visitor centre;

the site allows facilities to be designed within existing vegetationscreening to minimise visual impact;

the site has northerly aspect and would receive better sunshinewithout shading from trees;

the site was previously disturbed being leveled for car parkingand can be developed without impacts on any values; and

it would be located at the start of the walking tracks and also theend point for the Overland Track.

Map 4 provides a conceptual plan for a new walker/day use shelter in the area ofthe visitor centre. It shows an indicative maximum development proposal that mayor may not, depending on the outcomes of the proposed investigations, includecooking, heating, secure storage and/or shower facilities. On due consideration ofthe actual requirements, detailed architectural plans should be prepared.


A C C O M M O D A T I O N

The WHAMP requires the following in relation to accommodation at Cynthia Bay:

The number and layout of cabins at Cynthia Bay will be determined in accordance with a

detailed site design and will be located within the cabin accommodation and campground area

as specified in the Cynthia Bay Site Plan. The detailed site design will ensure that provision

is made for the equitable use of the site area including adequate provision for the full range of

accommodation including camping, caravanning, low cost cabin and high quality cabin

accommodation).(WHAMP:133)

The 1993 Site Plan designated a ‘Cabin Accommodation and Campground Area’ inwhich various accommodation facilities could be proposed and assessed. Thecurrent site plan has revised these boundaries with regard to:

no buildings being located within the foreshore area to the northof the existing road between the jetty and boat ramp so as to limitthe visual impacts of buildings when viewed from the lake; and

allowing sufficient area for a range of visitor accommodationfacilities to be developed.

However, consideration may be given to the following developments within theforeshore area to the north of the existing road between the jetty and boat ramp:

construction walking tracks;

construction of a deck space or hardened surface to cater forpublic viewing and relaxing; and

provision of interpretation, information and/or other signage.

Proposals for all new development in the Cynthia Bay area will be assessed usingthe New Proposals and Impact Assessment Process of the WHAMP and should beguided by the following policies:

all accommodation is to be contained within the ‘CabinAccommodation and Campground Area’ as shown on Map 5;

a range of accommodation needs are to be provided includingtent-based camping, caravan, campervan, bunkhouse and cabinaccommodation;

a detailed site design will be developed and agreed between PWSand the proponent of the development; and


accommodation will take full account of the setting and adhere tothe general development guidelines set out in section 3.1.3.

Additional accommodation development beyond the ‘Cabin Accommodation andCampground Area’ is not proposed in this Plan.

P U B L I C S A F E T Y A N D R I S K M A N A G E M E N T

Risk management is a major concern for the PWS given its role in managing naturalareas and developing facilities for visitor activities. In accordance with WHAMP thePWS aims to protect visitors from undue, unnecessary and unreasonable risks,which may expose visitors to harm during their visit to Cynthia Bay. This shouldcontinue to be done in a manner that does not detract from the ‘natural’ experiencesavailable at Cynthia Bay.

Present risk management is primarily focused on the provision of education thatraises visitors’ awareness of their individual responsibility for their own safety,particularly whilst bushwalking, or being exposed to extreme weather conditions.No specific risk management programs have presently been undertaken for CynthiaBay. This Site Plan identifies the following as examples of possible risks within theStudy Area:

being injured whilst walking through the car park to reach orreturn from the visitor centre or when packing/unpacking gearwithin the car park;

poor condition of walking tracks and lack of adequate handrails;

limb failure from trees;

injury as a result of interaction with wildlife;

risk of bushfire;

anti-social behaviour and vandalism;

becoming lost whilst walking in the surrounding area;

lack of maintenance or cleanliness of public facilities; and

risks associated with aquatic activities on Lake St Clair.

WHAMP recommends the establishment of a risk management system for regularidentification, inspection, reporting and amelioration of risks to public safety as akey desired outcome for the WHA (WHAMP:158). Such a system is likely to applyacross the WHA, although individual assessments would need to be undertaken for


key visitor areas, including Cynthia Bay. The Management Plan also recommends anasset inventory and management program be undertaken to enable PWS to manage,maintain or replace facilities and infrastructure to ensure public safety. This isparticularly important in Cynthia Bay where a large number of PWS managedfacilities exist.

The opportunities to deal with safety and risk issues at Cynthia Bay may include thePWS engaging the professional services of a risk assessor to undertake anassessment of Cynthia Bay as part of a broader risk management system for theWHA. The risk assessor would need to consider the current liability situation and toidentify options for reducing, transferring or dealing with the identified risks and inparticular, how to respond to:

the duty of care obligations of the PWS;

matters of reasonable foresee ability;

breach of duty;

standard of care to be provided;

the onus upon the PWS as an occupier with a general duty of careresponsibility; and

the options available to the PWS to reduce, transfer, manage ormake safe within the guidance of sound management practiceand management systems.

PWS may deal with risk management issues by:

preparing an inventory of the existing facilities and then toidentify safety risks and practical responses; and

undertaking necessary works to deal with the above identifiedsafety risks in accordance with the risk management assessment.

It is likely that the PWS will need to adopt ‘best practice’ approaches to itsmanagement, supervision, engineering, inspection, maintenance and contractingactivities. The adoption of Codes of Practice that incorporate measurableperformance standards would need to be developed if the risk is to be effectivelymanaged.

The opportunities for managing risk and safety at Cynthia Bay are:

generally improving the traffic movement flow and access intothe car parking area;


providing the capacity for increased car parking in onecentralised location rather than diverting traffic during peakperiods to other locations that are used as part of walking tracks;

providing a walking path on the southern side of the car park;

formalising picnic facilities into designated areas outside of trafficmovement;

establishing better and safer walking track connections to thevisitor centre and minimising vehicle movements along parts ofthe walking tracks;

upgrading of signs for walking tracks;

developing a separate walking track and cycle path from DerwentBridge to Cynthia Bay in the longer term; and

preparing a fire management plan for the Cynthia Bay area.


1. Improve the visibility, design and message presentation of the signs upon entry tothe WHA (Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair Road) and upon arrival at CynthiaBay.

2. Improve the layout, capacity and functioning of the car park area to better servicevisitor needs and tourist coaches. This would involve construction of a new entryroad, establishment of an entry booth (if required), use of one-way roads, re-design of the car parking layout, increased parking capacity, provision of over-flow parking spaces, shelter facilities, bus shelter and new walking paths.

3. Improve the connections of the visitor centre to the walking tracks with landscapedesign that will reduce the visual impacts, improve the amenity values and theawareness of the walking tracks.

4. Investigate the need for, value of and potential impacts of a new walking tracklink from the existing lookout deck along the beach through the bushland toconnect with the existing walking tracks.

5. Investigate the need for, value of and potential impacts of a new walking trackand bikeway from Cynthia Bay to Derwent Bridge.


6. Retain and stabilise the existing picnic/day use shelter between the Lake and thevisitor centre and investigate construction of a new day use shelter to the south ofthe visitor centre

7. PWS continue to monitor the need for picnic facilities within the Derwent Bridgeto Lake St. Clair area.

8. Consolidate development of future accommodation facilities within the ’Cabinand Campground Area’ and require all development applications to meet therequirements of the New Proposals and Impacts Assessment Process set out inWHAMP (WHAMP:66-72).

9. Address risk management and safety issues at Cynthia Bay by adopting ‘bestpractice’ approaches to management, supervision, engineering, inspection,maintenance and contracting activities. Undertake risk assessment process inaccordance with a wider risk management system for the WHA.

10. Prepare a fire management plan for the Cynthia Bay area.9. Investigate optionsfor the location of walker registration facilities.

11. Investigate options for improving existing interpretation programs and/or forexpanding into new interpretive areas as funds permit.

3 . 3 P A R K M A N A G E M E N T F A C I L I T I E S

3.3.1 Objectives

The 1993 Site Plan for Cynthia Bay identified the following objectives for parkmanagement facilities:

provide facilities necessary for effective park management; and

consolidate management facilities in defined zones at the leastobtrusive locations.

3.3.2 Key Issues

The key issue with park management facilities is the need to consider furtherrationalisation and consolidation of park management facilities at Cynthia Bay, andin particular, the buildings along the service road directly to the south of the visitorcentre.


3.3.3 Opportunities for Responding to the Issues

The development of the visitor centre has altered the management operations of thePWS through:

the location of visitor interpretation and information serviceswithin the centre;

the creation of new PWS offices and associated facilities withinthe centre;

freeing up the former Rangers office for temporary visiting staffaccommodation and summer interpretation programs;

removal of a previous ranger house;

creating a new road to access the stores, workshop compound,ranger houses and other buildings; and

altered vehicle and parking arrangements, including limitedvehicle access to the jetty area.

New ranger houses have been constructed in a location to the south of the stores andworkshop compound area.

It is appropriate that the PWS consider the long term role of former servicebuildings. Table 3.1 outlines possible approaches to dealing with particular parkmanagement facilities at Cynthia Bay.

The Site Plan provides car parking for PWS staff with a space close to the entry of thevisitor centre and offices and continued car parking near the workshop. Use of thevisitor car parking spaces outside of peak period times is appropriate.

The options for retaining the role of the entry booths at National Parks are beingreviewed by the PWS. Provision has been made in the Site Plan to position an entrybooth at the entry to the revised car park if it is required. One of the alternativeoption being considered is ticket machines located within the car park that wouldallow visitors to pay entry fees for day passes etc. and display the sticker on thevehicle. At present the PWS offices can provide entry passes to visitors for day,extended times and annual periods.


Facility Possible Actions

Former rangers officescurrently used for SummerRanger accommodationand interpretation

Consider removal of the more recent additions, car port, palingfences and out sheds so as to reduce the visual impact of thesefacilities (if these features are not considered essential formanagement purposes). The building itself shall be retained inthe short term until such time as funding permits relocation ofcurrent uses to a new, more appropriate location within theprecinct. There should be no substantial investment inupgrading the current building for residency purposes althoughminor improvements that enable continued use as a field centrefor artists in residence and/or the summer interpretationprograms are appropriate. Any changes to the existing situationare to be in accordance with the Historic Cultural Heritage Act1995.

Various sheds locatedoutside the stores andworkshop area

Assess the use of existing sheds with the aim of consolidatingpark management away from the primary visitor area. Removeany sheds considered to be surplus to requirements and nothaving historic heritage value.

Generalstorage/workshops

Continue the policy of consolidating works and storagefunctions and ranger residences in a precinct to the south of thevisitor centre

Senior Ranger’s residence Retain the earth-integrated Senior Rangers houseService vehicle access Investigate options for ensuring a ‘Y’ turn-around for trucks

using the existing road layout, rather than turning within theformer over-flow car parking area.

Offices Investigate the spatial requirements of PWS staff in light ofincreased staffing levels including options for extension or refitof the visitor centre.

Jetty and Boat Ramp These facilities are considered adequate for their current usage.Changes may be acceptable provided that the requirements ofthe New Proposals and Impacts Assessment Process(WHAMP:66-72) are met.

Table 3.1 Options for consolidating park management facilities


1. Consider the opportunities for further rationalisation and consolidation of parkmanagement facilities at Cynthia Bay. In particular, investigate measures to reducethe impact of the buildings along the service road directly to the south of the visitorcentre including removal of buildings and rehabilitation of sites. Note that wheresuch buildings have heritage significance, any alterations or demolitions will need tomeet the requirements of the Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995.

C H A P T E R 4S I T E D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N

The Site Plan (Map 5) shows the recommended upgrading of facilities at Cynthia Bayas discussed in Chapter 3. Approval for any new developments recommended hereare subject to the New Proposals and Impacts Assessment Process of WHAMP(WHAMP:66-72).

4 . 1 V I S I T O R D A Y - U S E F A C I L I T I E S

4.1.1 Access and Vehicle Parking

1. Construct a new access road from Lake St Clair Road to enter the northern end ofthe existing car park for the visitor centre.

2. Improve the layout, capacity and functioning of the existing car park to betterservice visitor needs and tourist coaches including:

development of an entry and information booth at the new entrypoint (if required);

use of one-way road system for access and egress to the car park;

re-design of the car parking layout to take account of the newentry road arrangements;

increasing the parking capacity of the car park includingprovision for cars, buses, vehicles with trailers and caravans;

extension of the car park to the north;

provision of over-flow parking spaces along the edge of theexisting road and potentially at right angles to the new entryroad;

improving the safety for pedestrians walking to the visitor centreby creating clearer walkways through the carpark;


landscaping and rehabilitation works to improve the amenityvalues (where possible the present vegetation within the carparkwill be retained); and

rationalisation of the concessionaires parking and drop-off area.

Rework the layout of the visitor car park as shown in Site Plan to provide:

parking for ±140 vehicles;

separate coach parking for 4 buses;

2 parking spaces for vehicles used by people with disabilities;

parking spaces PWS vehicles; and

over-flow parking areas for buses, vehicles with trailers, caravansetc.

The location for additional car parking is shown on the plan if it is required.

4.1.2 Signs

1. Improve the visibility, design and message presentation of the signs upon entry tothe WHA (Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair Road) and upon arrival at Cynthia Bay.

2. Upgrade directional signs for the walking tracks and jetty near the visitor centre.

4.1.3 Walkers and Day Use Shelter

1. Investigate construction of a new walkers/day use shelter to the south of thevisitor centre within the area formerly used as a car park.

4.1.4 Car Park Shelters

1. Construct new shelters within the visitor car park after the layout, capacity andfunctioning of the car park area has been improved (see Section4.1.1). The shelterswill include, tables and seating with space for other facilities to be added if required.

4.1.5 Bus Shelter

1. Construct a bus shelter on the southern side of the car park including seating.

Chapter 4 Site Development Plan 47

4.1.6 Walking Tracks

1. Upgrade walking tracks to reduce the visual impact of existing roads andbuildings, to improve visitor awareness of the walking tracks and to improve theconnection of the tracks to the visitor centre.

2. Investigate the need for, value of and potential impacts of construction of a newwalking track link from the existing lookout deck on the lakeshore towards FergiesPaddock. Investigate the use the beach before having a constructed walk throughthe bushland to connect with the existing walking tracks. Pending the outcomes ofthe investigations, and subject to the New Proposals and Impacts AssessmentProcess (WHAMP:66-72) construction of such a track may occur.

3. Ensure a full range of day walks are available and promoted to visitors at trackheads and within the visitors centre.

4. Investigate the need for, value of and potential impacts of construction of a newwalking track and bikeway connecting Cynthia Bay to Derwent Bridge. Pending theoutcomes of the investigations, and subject to the New Proposals and ImpactsAssessment Process (WHAMP:66-72) construction of such a track may occur.

4.1.7 Jetty and Boat Ramp

1. These facilities are considered adequate for their current usage. Changes may beacceptable provided that the requirements of the New Proposals and ImpactsAssessment Process (WHAMP:66-72) are met.

4 . 2 V I S I T O R A C C O M M O D A T I O N A N D

C O N C E S S I O N A I R E F A C I L I T I E S

1. The ”Cabin Accommodation and Campground Area’ at Cynthia Bay shown onthe Site Plan (Map 5) aims to:

consolidate accommodation facilities within a designated area atCynthia Bay;

promote tourist facility development with the aim of achieving acritical mass of accommodation facilities to support Lake StClair’s development as a major WHA destination; and

provide a . range of accommodation types from tent camping toserviced rooms.


2. The boundary shows that no buildings will be located to the north of the existingforeshore road so as to limit impacts on this sensitive environment. Considerationcan be given (pending environmental impact assessment) to the construction ofpublic facilities such as walking tracks, interpretation, signs and a deck/hardenedspace for a lookout or relaxing.

3. In any case, all development must be approved under the New Proposals andImpacts Assessment Process (WHAMP:66-72).

4 . 3 P A R K M A N A G E M E N T

1. Consider the opportunities for further rationalisation and consolidation of parkmanagement facilities at Cynthia Bay, and in particular, the buildings along theservice road directly to the south of the visitor centre.

2. Investigate and, where appropriate, implement the following:

reduce the visual impact of the former ranger offices by removingpaling fences out buildings and recent lean-to additions;

review the usage of storage sheds within the main visitor use area(particularly between the visitor centre and the start of theOverland Track) and remove those poorly utilised;

ensure further construction of storage facilities occurs in thevicinity of the stores and workshop area; and

review service access and staff carparking in accordance with theSite Plan to reduce conflict between visitor facilities and parkmanagement activities.

B I B L I O G R A P H Y

Jetson, T. 1989. The Roof of Tasmania: A History of the Central Plateau PelionPress, Launceston, Tasmania.

Kiernan, K. 1992. “Mountain Geomorphology of the Last Glaciation at Lake StClair” Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania Vol 126.

Lehman, G. 1995 “The Aboriginal Interpretation Strategy for the World HeritageArea “ unpublished report to the Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania.

McConnell, A. and Hamilton, F. 2001 “Trounekarte Mabberle - Viewing theAboriginal Values of the Frenchmans Cap –Overland Track Precincts” unpublishedreport to the Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania.

Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) 2001. “Draft Recreation and Tourism Strategy forthe World Heritage Area” unpublished report to Department of Primary Industry,Water and Environment.

Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) 1999a. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage

Area (WHAMP) Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment.

Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) 1999b. “1999 Parks and Wildlife Service VisitorSurvey Program Report 5: Lake St. Clair” Tourism and Recreation Section,Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment”.

Parks Wildlife and Heritage (PWH) 1993. Cynthia Bay Site Plan Department ofParks, Wildlife and Heritage.

Pemberton, M. 1986. Land Systems of Tasmania: Region 5 – Central Plateau

Department of Agriculture, Tasmania.

Pemberton, M. 1994. “Geology, Geomorphology and Soils of the Pump House PointArea, Lake St. Clair” unpublished report to the Parks and Wildlife ServiceTasmania.

Saunders, R. 1990. “Presenting Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area: AStrategy for Interpretation” unpublished report to Department of Parks, Wildlifeand Heritage.


Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council 1996. ”Aboriginal Management of the WorldHeritage Area” unpublished report to the Department of Environment and LandManagement, Hobart.